SPAIN AND PORTUGAL.

Taranaki Herald, Volume VII, Issue 344, 5 March 1859, Page 2 (Supplement)

SPAIN AND PORTUGAL.

An earthquake which lias been felt in every part of Spain, and which lias been pioductive of some damage in almost in every city in the south of Spain, has been a cause of the expression of much religious feeling. At Seville, wheie its effects wore more sensible than in any other city, several public establishments having received considerable injury, processions have taken place with unusual religious pomp, and the churches are daily visited by thousands whose piety is stimulated with the reflection that they may again experience this awful visitation. It appears that the earthquake was so much felt in the principal markets that all business immediately stopped, and hundieds threw themselves on their knees to beg for the Divine mercy. In some of the churches mass was bemg celebrated at the moment of the shock, and its different effect upon the priests was striking. Some stopped terrified, and could not go on with the religious ceiemony till the cause of terror ceased, whilst others, turning to the congregation, chaunted the divine offices with fervour. The cries of the people resounded thiough the city, and even domestic animals showed their terror. The convents and churches have nearly all experienced the effects of the earthquake, and the famous tower of Omnium Sanctorum has deviated. The church clock of St. Mark struck 12 by the effect of the oscillation. The hospital physicians make mention oi the same phenomenon, which was perceived at the General Hospital of Madrid, namely, that there was a geiieial complaint amongst the patients of increase of pain and uneasiness. Lettois from Lisbon state that the earthquake produced a complete panic in the city, many persons jumping out of their beds and rußhing into the streets. A piicst who was saying mas-s ran out into the street dressed in his sacredotnl garments. , The panic in Opoito was also equally great. No damage of any importance occurred. Te deums had been sung in the churches, and other religious acts, in token of gratitude for the happy escape from the threatened danger. The Queen of Spain opened the Cortes on tht Ist of December, and was received with great enthusiasm by the metnbeis and the people.